By Tania Martin
A CONTROVERSAL jungle-style adventure park in Belgrave has been given the green light despite staunch local opposition.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) last month (15 June) over turned the Shire of Yarra Ranges decision to reject the proposal.
In December the council ruled against the application for an outdoor recreation centre at 2 Cole Avenue, Belgrave, saying it would have an adverse impact on the amenity of the area and local environment.
The adventure park will feature a rope and obstacle course and is expected to be the first of its kind in Victoria.
It would also include flying foxes, foot bridges, rung and cable ladders and suspended tunnels.
However, despite more than 53 objections including 30 individuals and a 23 signature petition, VCAT has ruled in favour of French developer, Millar Merrigan.
Nearby resident and objector Nerida Clark said locals had believed right up until the end that they had a chance of getting the park rejected.
“We are bitterly disappointed because we thought we had a 50/50 chance,” she said.
Ms Clark said one of the big issues would be the impact of increase noise in the area as well as traffic and parking problems. “It’s a very special place up here and lot of the people up here are writers and value this special tranquil place with the forest and the ferns,” she said.
Ms Clark said the noise would have a huge impact on the area.
Lyster Ward councillor Samantha Dunn said it was unfortunate that the residents concerns had been ignored.
“It’s disappointing the local voice hasn’t been heard in relation to this,” she said.
Cr Dunn said locals were concerned about the impact the park would have on the amenity and the environment.
“There was a significant amount of a local angst against this one,” she said.
“It’s disappointing but the umpires’ decision is always final in these matters.”
VCAT senior member Anthony Liston said the use and development of the site was an unusual one and it was difficult to assess its success or impacts.
He said the council officers had recognised the benefits of the application but the amenity implications were unacceptable.
But, Mr Liston said, in striking this balance the council was influenced by uncertainties associated with the future operation of the park.
He said the benefits of the park outweighed the uncertainties.
